The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a grave warning that nearly 1 billion individuals worldwide are currently grappling with mental health conditions, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, made this announcement ahead of the High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health, scheduled for September 25 at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
“Non-communicable diseases include 7 of the world’s top 10 causes of death. In addition, almost 1 billion people face mental health conditions. Countries that act decisively to beat NCDs will save millions of lives, protect families, cut health costs, and unlock economic growth,” Dr. Tedros stated.
Suicide has emerged as a significant concern, now ranking as the third leading cause of death among young people globally, with 73% of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, the situation is particularly alarming, with a suicide mortality rate of 3.5 per 100,000 people as of January 2024, equating to over 15,000 deaths annually.
Beyond the personal tragedies, Dr. Tedros highlighted the substantial economic burden posed by NCDs and mental health issues. These conditions not only shorten lives and devastate families but also strain national health systems and hinder economic growth.
Countries are currently negotiating a political declaration to be finalized at the UNGA meeting, which includes ambitious targets for 2030, such as:
- Reducing tobacco use by 150 million people.
- Expanding mental health care to 150 million people.
- Ensuring 150 million people achieve control of hypertension.
Dr. Tedros emphasized that investing in NCD prevention is one of the most prudent economic decisions governments can make, despite pushback from industries that benefit from harmful products.
He called on governments worldwide, including Nigeria, to take bold actions: “The message is clear. Countries that act decisively will save millions of lives, protect families, cut health costs, and unlock economic growth.”
The upcoming High-Level Meeting at the UNGA is anticipated to yield a strong political declaration, paving the way for international collaboration in combating NCDs and enhancing mental health support over the next decade.
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